Bobbi Bricker

Discussion Comment

Recently our school has implemented a very strict late assignments policy. I think it is helpful in assisting our students to become more responsible and ready for the "real world." However, I am receiving some negative feedback from some students because they feel they are paying for a service, not something that should be instituted so harshly. What are your thoughts? Bobbi Bricker

Bobbi Bricker

Discussion Comment

Ensuring Comprehension

I teach primarily business courses and find that my students are able to show comprehension best through short essay questions. Are there any other methods that you use to test for this? Why and how? Bobbi Bricker

Bobbi Bricker

Discussion Comment

Using CATs in a Business Program

I teach within a business program. Does any one have any ideas to use CATs? I like closing the course with the students reflecting on what they learned and coming up with a question that is unanswered, but I would like more ideas. Bobbi Bricker

Bobbi Bricker

Discussion Comment

Checking In Questions

I find that in teaching courses like Economics, I often ask "checking in" questions to make sure we are all on the same page. Often even though they've heard the language throughout their lives, it is a difficult concept to grasp. Because of this, it is important to me that we are moving as a group towards a common goal. Asking "does that make sense?" or "why would this be important" allows for a small discussion, but also allows for people who are confused to speak up. Does anyone have similar things they do that I can use to build… >>>

Bobbi Bricker

Discussion Comment

Creating a Positive Learning Environment

I find that I spend a lot of time catering to my visual and auditory students, simply because I teach mostly business courses. Are there any games that you know of that would assist my students who are more kinesthetic or written word oriented. I often use role playing, but it seems a bit tired at this point. I would like to switch things up a bit. Bobbi Bricker

Bobbi Bricker

Discussion Comment

Service Learning for Motivation

Recently my school has implemented an environment where Service Learning is key. I've made realtionships with business and organization owners who have allowed my students to assist with business and marketing plans. The motivation for students to come to class when working on these types of activities seems to jump ten fold. Has anyone else worked with service learning and projects like I've described?

Bobbi Bricker

Discussion Comment

Becoming Part of the Class

One of the big things I do in all of my classes is discussion. Unfortunately, I have students who do not seem to want any part of this. I do all that I can to make the information I am sharing meaningful and applicable, however it doesn't always do the trick. Anyone have any ideas on how to bring these people out of their shell?

Bobbi Bricker

Discussion Comment

Keeping Students Interested

I find that in my classes, the intro classes are regarded as something they just have to take to get to the fun stuff. I have been trying to research and develop ways of making even the intro classes worthwhile. I can't think of a time when I haven't been able to take something away from something that seemed introductory. Often, there is so much information to take in the first time that there are pieces that are missed. I try to make each class a little bit different, due to the make up of the students, however even that… >>>

Bobbi Bricker

Discussion Comment

Integration of Older/Younger Students

I've found in my classrooms that students who have returned to school, be it 5 years or 30 years later, all want to feel like they are part of something bigger. I've implemented group work into most of my courses with some success. I think that the students, for the most part, look forward to working with other students. However, from time to time I have those younger students who seem to separate themselves from the older students. I'm working on a way to over come this, without becoming a "traffic cop" of sorts. Does anyone have any ideas to… >>>

Bobbi Bricker

Discussion Comment

Creating an Inviting Environment

I think the easiest way to create this environment is to start asking questions of the students. Start with "what is your program", "how long have you been attending" and then go on from there. Everyone likes to talk about themselves, especially if you make it comfortable. I want my students that it is OK to speak up, ask for clarification, and to let others know of their experiences.